SO WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR A CONSULTANT OR COUNSELOR?
1. Build up motivation for change. Making changes in your behavior or way of being in the world takes a courageous amount of effort. Just by considering therapy or consultation you are demonstrating a desire to change, congratulations! Even taking the step to call a counselor can be therapeutic. It is often helpful to look at the pros and cons of changing your behavior or continuing on in the same way. A good counselor or therapist will help you build motivation for change, but ultimately the responsibility for change rests in your hands. Everyone has their own tipping point and most people know they're ready to change when they decide it's time to get help. So, if you're thinking about it, take the leap, email me, or another counselor that you are interested in and take the first step towards a new life.
2. Find someone you connect with. Chat with them on the phone before the first session to get a sense of their personality. In that first session pay attention to how you feel with the person. If you feel comfortable, listened to, and safe with the person great. If not, it may be a good idea to keep shopping.
3. Find out about what kind of techniques the counselor uses. While we know their specific technique is not that important, it is important that you buy into it. So if you like art, look for someone who uses art. If you like yoga and meditation look for someone who utilizes mindfulness. If you like a more talk based therapy look for someone who does that. Want concrete tasks to focus on between sessions and almost educational dynamic look for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There are endless approaches to therapy and consultation and most practitioners blend a few different approaches. Educate yourself on the different approaches and interview potential therapists to find one that fits with your ideas.
4. Talk to the person before the first session. Many counselors, therapists, and coaches offer brief, free consultations. Just from a quick phone call you can usually get a sense of whether or not you connect with the person. Feel them out, shop around, and remember you can always stop working with one person and look for a new one.
2. Find someone you connect with. Chat with them on the phone before the first session to get a sense of their personality. In that first session pay attention to how you feel with the person. If you feel comfortable, listened to, and safe with the person great. If not, it may be a good idea to keep shopping.
3. Find out about what kind of techniques the counselor uses. While we know their specific technique is not that important, it is important that you buy into it. So if you like art, look for someone who uses art. If you like yoga and meditation look for someone who utilizes mindfulness. If you like a more talk based therapy look for someone who does that. Want concrete tasks to focus on between sessions and almost educational dynamic look for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There are endless approaches to therapy and consultation and most practitioners blend a few different approaches. Educate yourself on the different approaches and interview potential therapists to find one that fits with your ideas.
4. Talk to the person before the first session. Many counselors, therapists, and coaches offer brief, free consultations. Just from a quick phone call you can usually get a sense of whether or not you connect with the person. Feel them out, shop around, and remember you can always stop working with one person and look for a new one.